On 10/21/2022 1:20 PM, Herbert Johnson via vcf-midatlantic wrote:
These are my observations, bits of research, and some opinions I have; I'm informed on some of this. I'm not looking for a discussion or argument, the focus is this pile of devices and what one might DO with them. I'm providing some context to make more informed decisions.
Reading the content, I'd characterize it more as an editorial than a lecture. I realize you're hoping to head off discussion or argument on your response, but I think you're missing the point. It's not what we can do with them, but rather what WILL happen to them if they are not purchased. The parts value alone seems easily above the $20/unit bar. I feel this group (and groups like it) have a responsibility to keep these out of the landfill or ecycling center. Spreading 2700 units around the US seems an easy way to ensure this device remains a part of tactile history. I'd further state these are exactly the devices that new and young members of our community covet. It's not expensive, not highly prized, and little concern if one is torn up or otherwise rendered unusable. For a young collector or just someone wanting to enjoy a Z80 build, this is a nice stepping stone. Buy 5 for $100, keep 2 in the closet, and see if you can do something interesting with the other 2, assuming you're going to get a bum unit or destroy one in the effort. (and I'm not young or new, but that's exactly my plan) Jim -- RETRO Innovations, Contemporary Gear for Classic Systems www.go4retro.com store.go4retro.com